@truethes : in hindsight, maybe things were working too well ---- milek had been more than content to join him in his most recent choice of patrol, even when they had both recently discussed this particular area being quite quiet, hadn't even raised a brow when illuga had suggested stopping in what some may consider a little pointless, considering how close it remained to their current camp, but he'd used the walk for a chance to work up the courage, had offered himself the distance in the hope that no one would walk midway into what he had wanted to say.
it'd been a chance of luck he'd noticed the book still kept in the others possession, seemingly well maintained despite how far he has known them to travel. as someone far too used to bending spines and pages from unlucky falls and mismatched steps, it'd been only natural for him to wish to seek something out to stop the ex-knight from falling to the same fate, and with both holiday and a more personal celebration coming up ... well, he supposes it felt more important to give him something, no matter how small or sudden it may begin to seem.
βΒ you ... ah, both a happy valentines and a happy birthday to you, sir milek! β even the sound of his own voice makes him wince, certainty dipping to worry back to nerves then hope. βΒ i know bags are more of a practical gift, but i know the fear that comes with items and travelling large distance. i've used another bag from this brand, i can say for certain it should keep all possessions of yours safe! β / from illuga! <:) <3
Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β ππ πππ ππππππππ, ππππππ. How he, a fae who places little trust in humanity, agreed to follow this one ( Illuga ) through a relatively peaceful area. The Wild Hunt was not as major of a threat as it used to be, but their nightmares still meander about like a virus. Their horse stayed behind at camp β having appeared to be perfectly content being showered with attention from a couple Lightkeepers. As a lover of animals, Milek could not pull them away β not as if they were a stranger to traveling on foot either. Those valiant souls do so every single day . . . & Nikita nudged him to watch over Illuga.
The ex - knight stopped as requested, gauntlet - clad fingers brushing over the spine of that journal in their worn bag. A couple more long journeys until the threads come undone & leather turns brittle β crumbling under faintest touch.
Like all things are wont to do under Time's oppressive touch.
Β Β Β Β Β Β " . . . ? ? " How did Illuga learn of his birthday ? Was it Flins who tipped the Ratnik off in that indirect, detached way he was fond of ? Milek opened his mouth to protest, but the sight of the bag buried those thoughts deep & they gather it into their hands. It was sturdy / durable β perfect for long - distance travel. They did not have the heart in them to reject such a gift, especially from a Lightkeeper whose organization is already spread so thin.
It was . . . strange to accept this, when centuries ago he done the opposite.
Β Β Β Β Β Β " Thanks, " Milek mumbled β taking off a gauntlet to feel the material through warm skin. " One thing : do drop the 'Sir.' That is a title that no longer belongs to me, unfortunate to say. I'm but a typical adventurer now. "